Ideal duration of sexual intercourse: Insights from sexologists debunk common misconceptions
Dr. Sonia Maya, a sex therapist based in Philadelphia, endeavored to identify the optimal duration of intercourse. She disclosed her observations on TikTok, surprising her followers. The results from studies undertaken by sexologists turned out to be more startling than anticipated.
1:58 PM EST, February 8, 2024
Short duration intercourse doesn't signify lesser quality
According to Dr. Sonia Maya, men often last only a few minutes before ejaculating. She argues that from an evolutionary perspective, quicker ejaculation and shorter duration intercourse are beneficial for the more effective dissemination of sperm. Despite the fact that many men dread "premature ejaculation," ejaculating within the first five minutes is perfectly normal.
"The authentic definition of premature ejaculation posits that it takes place after just one minute or even less," clarified Dr. Maya.
The sexologist elaborated that premature ejaculation only happens when there is absolutely no chance to delay it and when it's uncontrollable. This can, for instance, be triggered by stress.
Multiple studies have been carried out
In a survey conducted in 2008, participants indicated that the most "desired" duration for intercourse is between 7 and 13 minutes. Worth acknowledging is that this time estimate did not encompass foreplay, only the actual intercourse. Data published in 2019 by the National Institutes of Health revealed that men typically reach orgasm within 5 to 7 minutes. Furthermore, research conducted a year later showed women most frequently experience orgasm around the 13th minute of intercourse.
Clarisa Guerrer, a nurse in Texas, also decided to spark a discussion about orgasms. In a TikTok video, she highlighted the fact that everyone is different, and for some people, shorter intercourse is normal.
“Some couples boast about their sexual encounters lasting an hour or even more, but they never achieve an orgasm. As a matter of fact, even 50% of men can't last longer than two minutes," Guerrer noted.
She went on to state that the speed at which someone reaches orgasm can depend on numerous psychological and biological factors. Consequently, aspects such as age, health status, and hormone levels need to be taken into account.
Medical professionals hold the belief that many people are under the illusion that sex should last as long as possible. Discussing the actual duration of intercourse can alleviate pressure on partners and enhance intimacy.
